When you’re sick, you visit your local doctor. You don’t question whether you’ll be welcome in their rooms, or what other patients will think of you, do you?
Of course not.
However, the situation tends to be different with men’s hair and scalp issues. When facing problems related to their hair or scalp, many men simply choose to visit their barbers and get the full shave or sit within the regions of denial rather than visit a professional trichologist.
After all, aren’t hair and scalp specialists the domain of women – a space where men would feel out of place and uncomfortable?
It’s this exact topic that we’d like to tackle today. We’re taking a closer look at what hair and scalp problems men commonly face, and where they can find solutions.
Men’s Hair Solutions
We’ve seen thousands of helpful conversations aimed at women who have lost their hair due to medical or emotional issues, and discussions around the solutions available to them. However, it’s a complete myth that only women feel acute stress and anxiety when facing hair loss or other scalp disorders.
Just because so many men choose to shave their heads when facing imminent hair loss (or other scalp problems) doesn’t automatically make it the right choice for you. Baseball caps and beanies, likewise, are not the only solution.
An article from Forbes entitled Bald Realities, adds some further wisdom saying, “Not surprisingly, experts say that denial, which is often followed by months or years of fretting and inaction, is precisely the wrong reaction.”
The solution to dealing effectively with hair and scalp issues – for men and women – is to visit a professional trichologist.
Trichologists are specialists in the field of hair and scalp disorders. Teresa and Eleanore of Fulham Scalp and Hair Clinic specialise in treating and preventing hair loss, and they do so with a holistic approach that incorporates supportive nutritional and behavioral changes.
How can you benefit from a visit to the clinic?
Common Hair and Scalp Issues for Men
You may be surprised to learn that both men and women suffer from similar hair and scalp problems. Even “male pattern baldness” is not strictly the domain of men.
The Forbes article mentioned above says, “In general, male- and female-pattern baldness, also known as genetic hair loss, begins later in women than in men. While it tends to start in the 30s or 40s in males, it begins in the 40s or 50s in women, though it can occur at any time after puberty in both sexes. According to Dr Sadick, hair loss is actually as common in women as it is in men, though more severe in men. The patterns of hair loss are also different: Men tend to lose hair in the front and in the “monk’s cap” area at the top of the head, while women experience more diffuse thinning throughout the scalp.”
The key takeaway here is that hair and scalp disorders are not gender-specific. And many are treatable!
Male Pattern Baldness
As we’ve just noted, male pattern baldness is generally considered a genetic matter where men start to lose their hair from the front of the hairline. It’s usually a slow process that results from a slowing of the hair follicle’s growth cycle where the hair grows thinner, slower, and becomes miniaturized in specifically affected areas of the scalp.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that can result in random round patches of hair loss in both men and women. This can be particularly distressing as it tends to show as noticeable and patchy hair loss as opposed to overall thinning. Alopecia Areata is unpredictable but can recover completely and correct diagnosis is important.
Seborrhoeic Eczema
Seborrhoeic eczema is a scalp condition where the skin becomes itchy, scaly and flakey due to an overgrowth of a yeast population. This can result in hair shedding and is exacerbated by poor diet, stress, genetic predisposition and other emotional factors.
Psoriasis
Scaly, demarcated plaques of skin are a common symptom of psoriasis, which often occurs on the scalp. The condition is distressing but generally does not cause permanent hair loss. The precise cause of psoriasis is not well understood but is generally linked to a faulty immune system. A correct diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin.
Folliculitis
Bacterial infection at the follicle is to blame for this pustular condition. It can be extremely itchy and lead to permanent hair loss and scarring if left untreated. Keeping the scalp clean and avoiding picking, squeezing or massaging the scalp is essential to keep the infection from spreading, but prompt treatment and appropriate advice are essential.
Other conditions may include:
- Dandruff
- Allergic reactions
- Telogen Effluvium
- Dissecting Cellulitis
- Traction Alopecia
Hair and Scalp Services for Men
Do you recognise any of these hair or scalp problems? If so, we warmly invite you to visit our clinic and talk to a professional trichologist. Certainly, medical doctors and dermatologists can assist with various scripted medications, but there are other ways to prevent and manage hair loss.
You may require:
- The correct diagnosis. It can happen that hair loss is attributed to age when it may be a result of certain medicines, styling and hair care practices or hormonal problems.
- An understanding of predisposition. If a family member suffers from an autoimmune condition, you are more likely to see the effects of autoimmune or inflammatory disorders such as Alopecia Areata. Likewise, sufferers of asthma, thyroid disease, vitiligo and pernicious anaemia may also be predisposed to these types of conditions.
- Specific hair and scalp products. Not everything that’s available over the counter is a solution. Some products are particularly harsh on sensitive skin and hair and can have unpleasant side effects. When you understand your ailment, it’s good to know that there are hair care products that are gentle and natural and work with your body to promote growth and protect your hair.
- Hair camouflage products. These can include hair fibres or concealers which boost the appearance of hair density for a short-term solution.
- Scalp micropigmentation is a semi-permanent method of reducing scalp visibility by replicating hair follicles on the scalp in a natural manner.
- Hair transplants. Surgery, a costly but effective final solution for hair loss, is an option for some.
Let’s Talk
The conversation around hair loss and scalp disorders is not one to leave, hoping that things will somehow get better on their own. In many cases, the sooner your problem is correctly diagnosed, the better chance you have for a full recovery.
We warmly invite you to book a confidential consultation with us and let us help you to deal with the hair and scalp challenges that you are facing.